Gary Strachan – "Write" Said Fred
Whimsical observations from deep within an erratic mind
As I commence putting pen to paper, the soundscape of Adele singing her melancholic refrain 'When We Were Young' reverberates around my living room. Obviously, the source of the Tottenham-born singer's lament is my smart speaker; the one where Alexa resides rent free. The superstar (Adele, not Alexa) hasn't, of course, travelled to my modest West Yorkshire... Continue Reading →
On this day in mid-1960's my younger brother Ian made his inaugural appearance into the world. Born at our Leeds home, our kid arrived shortly after, in their second World Heavyweight Championship fight Cassius Clay had knocked out Sonny Liston. With Clay (latterly Muhammed Ali) winning by first round KO, Ian didn't arrive in time to... Continue Reading →
Occasionally, while treading this creative path, I venture into a world of philosophy. A time when I try to make sense of life on this dysfunctional planet; hopefully leaving it with some insightful observation or advocacy. Yesterday, one such pearl of wisdom occurred to me; this relating to the upside of enduring stressful life episodes.... Continue Reading →
This weeks topic prompt for a writing group I attend on a bi-weekly basis was 'ceremony'. A suggestion leading me to write/read out the following tongue-in-cheek narrative:- Ceremony – by Gary Strachan Today, with our thoughts on ceremonies, I’ve decided to revisit the day 35 years ago when I walked down the aisle of a County... Continue Reading →
In a move to improve my exercise regime, which brings with it many benefits, GJ Strachan is contemplating purchasing a heavy duty punchbag. Preferably one around six foot in height with ground-based footings and of robust constitution. Blimey, while articulating the previous sentence, it felt like yours truly was penning a half-assed lonely-hearts ad..... That being... Continue Reading →
After two years of retirement, I'm seriously contemplating dipping my toe back into the pool of paid employment. Don't get me wrong, since taking my pension early I have spent my time in a productive and a predominantly verve filled times. However, of late I've decided I spend an unhealthy amount of time on my... Continue Reading →
You can say what you want about us Brits, but no one can take away our ingrained capacity to nail pomp, circumstance and royal celebration. A point gloriously highlighted over a weekend witnessing two days of festivities to mark King Charles III's coronation. As expected the ceremony which saw our new monarch crowned was undertaken... Continue Reading →
Working with this week's topic prompt of ‘The Walk’, my mind wandered to a recent discussion at a writing workshop I attend on a bi-weekly basis. This whimsical exchange relating to the merits, or otherwise, of an upcoming naked stroll scheduled to take place at a nearby North Yorkshire town. Let me start by admitting my understanding of this... Continue Reading →
I'm penning this prose from within the hallowed walls of my partner Sarah's living room. A bright and airy room which she has decorated in the minimalist style she so says she prefers. I reckon if truth be told, though, the chamber is only minimalist because she's not yet worked out how to shop-lift a... Continue Reading →